1925 ~ ORTT ~ 2015

Although we are sad, we are also glad that “Freddie” (Arleen Frida) Ortt has gone to be with her Lord. After nearly 17 years of suffering the effects of dementia Freddie was called home on September 24th, 2015, at the age of 89 years. She spent 11 years in care at Good Samaritan Society, Southridge Village, Medicine Hat.

Freddie was predeceased by her husband of nearly 68 years, Bill Ortt; as well as her parents and siblings. She leaves behind her sons, Terry and Richard; daughter, Bonnie and son-in-law, David Bertsch; as well as her grandchildren, Nicole (Aaron) Wade, Monica (Adam) Larson, Michelle (Thomas) Yardley, Rick (Makoto) Ortt, Jr., Brent (Corinne Taylor) Bertsch, Darren (Erin) Bertsch, and Krystal (Neil) Fandrick. Although she didn’t know them, she also had seven great-grandchildren, Winter, Ava, Miarah, Grace, Wrenn, George, and Anayah – she would have enjoyed them so!!

She was born on November 3rd, 1925, near Grenfell, Saskatchewan. Freddie (a nickname given by her brothers) worked as a telephone operator before she met, fell in love with and married Bill in Grenfell on June 1st, 1946. They farmed in the Grenfell area for 43 years before retiring to Medicine Hat in 1989.

Freddie loved family, friends, and farming. She was a hard-working, fun-loving, out-going, creative, energetic little woman. She was passionate about gardening and created a farm yard that some would call the “Little Bouchard Gardens”. She enjoyed entertaining and was an awesome cook. She loved vacationing in Barbados with “her Willie”; they golfed, swam, walked, and enjoyed meeting people from all parts of North America.

Freddie had a firm faith in God. To serve her Lord and Savior she participated in the Lutheran Woman’s Missionary League, sang in the choir, created many beautiful banners, and sewed many quilts for Canadian Lutheran World Relief.

The funeral service and celebration of her life will take place at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 30th, 2015, at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, with Pastor Ken Edel officiating; fellowship and program to follow. A graveside service open to the public will be held at the Grenfell Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, October 2nd, 2015, with Pastor Gerald Bruce Anderson officiating; fellowship and program to follow. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Building Fund, 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4A7 or to The Good Samaritan Society, 550 Spruce Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4P1 or to the Canadian Lutheran World Relief, 600 – 177 Lombard Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3B 0W5.

SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599